Bill Lavelle loves tomatoes.
He even wears the red, round fruit as a tattoo on his forearm. When he decided he was going to open a restaurant, he brainstormed along with his family ideas for a name. They settled on “Vine.”
(read more)

For Jessica Cirba, creativity is the mother of invention. At Jessup restaurant The Eatery by Jessica, chef and owner Cirba and her staff have concocted delectable treats and surprising dishes.
(read more)

Sharon Pencek knows simple is better. The past Local Flavor winner took top honors for both her Yellow Summer Squash Casserole and Chilly Day Chili recipes, which burst with fresh vegetables from her garden and hearty flavors.
(read more)

After a 12-hour shift, Denise Ace wanted an easy meal. The registered nurse at Allied Services looked for a fast meal for her and her son Derek, 16, that didn’t involve hitting the drive-through or costing a lot of money.
(read more)

Educational/professional background: Graduate of Duryea High School and earned a degree in business from University of Scranton; retired CEO of Schiff's Cash & Carry Wholesale Food Outlet

Title: Honorary chairman

Q: What is the theme for this year's event?

A: Christmas in Disney is this year's theme. Artist Jeff DeAngelo sets up our brunch. He will have large statues and pictures of many different things from Disney all around the room.

Q: What is unique about this event?

A: This event has been part of the community for more than 25 years.

Q: Who are some of the celebrity servers?

A: Local staff from WBRE and WYOU, Scranton Mayor Chris Doherty, former Scranton Mayors David Wenzel and Jim Connors, and Gary Drapek, executive director of United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties.

Q: How much is the price of admission?

A: The ticket cost is $25, or $20 for Deutsch members and $10 for children 6 and older. This includes a full buffet breakfast and champagne. Serving times are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

A: All proceeds go directly to Deutsch Institute programs in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wayne and Susquehanna counties. The programs include dances, arts and crafts, movies and bingo, bowling leagues, bus trips, vacations and more. Most times, proceeds help with transportation to take clients to an event.

Q: What else can people attending expect?

A: Entertainment by Doug Smith Band, a performance from the local Scranton Knight Rhythms, basket raffles, centerpieces for sale, Deutsch Verve Vertu art and wearable art for sale for the holidays.

If you go

What: Deutsch Institute Celebrity Champagne Brunch

When: Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: St. Mary's Center, 320 Mifflin Ave., Scranton

Details: Tickets are $25 or $20 for Deutsch members and $10 for children 6 and older. For more information or tickets, call the Deutsch office at 570-348-1968 or visit the office at 835 Jefferson Ave., Scranton.

We welcome user discussion on our site, under the following guidelines:

To comment you must first create a profile and sign-in with a verified DISQUS account or social network ID. Sign up here.

Comments in violation of the rules will be denied, and repeat violators will be banned. Please help police the community by flagging offensive comments for our moderators to review. By posting a comment, you agree to our full terms and conditions. Click here to read terms and conditions.